40% of US consumers plan to give used gifts in 2022

In the US, half of consumers plan to give at least one used gift in 2022, according to research commissioned by MPB. Those planning to give used can rest assured that their gifts will be well received, as the research found the majority of people (70%) would be happy to receive used gifts.

The third annual survey found a shift in US attitudes to gifting, including a marked decline in stigma linked to giving used gifts. Only 25% of people said they would be embarrassed to give used gifts, down from 43% in 2021.

As the cost-of-living crisis puts pressure on household incomes, around a third of people (30%) said they couldn’t afford to buy brand-new gifts. This number has more than doubled from 13% of people in 2021. Of those adults surveyed, Gen Z and millennials were found to be the most affected by the cost-of-living crisis, with 58% of those surveyed agreeing that the crisis has made the decision to gift used more likely this year.

The increase in people giving used gifts also seems to be driven by environmental concerns, the research suggested. Almost half (48%) of US participants responded that they care about the sustainability of the gifts they receive. This figure is at a record high over the past three years.

In 2022, MPB is urging consumers to Pause, Consider and Act. The campaign encourages consumers to slow down and consider what they have already purchased. The company has continued its commitment to its partnership with One Tree Planted and will plant 25,000 trees to help fight deforestation.

Matt Barker, Founder and CEO of MPB, said, “Given increasing environmental concerns around overconsumption, alongside the rising pressure on household income, it's unsurprising that many of us are looking for alternatives to simply buying new, and it's brilliant to see that the perceived stigma around gifting and purchasing used items is declining.”

“There is an abundance of well-functioning products in recirculation out there, and many items, such as photo and video equipment, have fantastic manufacture quality and are built to last," Barker said. "Moreover, used models cost a third less than the same model new on average.”

“Overall, buying and selling used is a win for your wallet and the planet alike, and putting more items into the circular economy is a win for the next owner too," Barked added. "While savvy shoppers are catching on to circular behavior, there are so many people still out of the loop, and we would encourage them to join the used movement.”

Learn more about MPB’s sustainability commitments at mpb.com/impact.